Dove Recipes: Crafting the Perfect Post-Hunt Feast
Justin Hunold
09/04/2024
When dove season rolls around, there’s something undeniably special about gathering your limit and transforming those small game birds into a feast worthy of the hunt. Dove hunting is simple and rewarding—challenging wingshooting paired with the satisfaction of knowing you’ll serve up a meal telling the story of the day’s efforts. Doves may be small, but they pack a nutritional punch. They are a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. With some creativity, they’re the perfect base for various recipes that celebrate the wild game experience. This post will explore five top dove recipes and suggest wine or beer pairings that elevate each dish.
1. Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Dove Breasts
When it comes to dove recipes, bacon-wrapped dove breasts are a classic. The richness of the dove meat, combined with the smoky, salty flavor of bacon, creates a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to beat. To add a layer of complexity, stuff the breasts with a jalapeño slice and a small wedge of cream cheese before wrapping them in bacon. Grill them over medium heat until the bacon crisps up and the dove is cooked.
Pairing: Go with a cold, crisp pilsner for this savory dish. A beer like Firestone Walker’s Pivo Pils balances the richness of the bacon while refreshing the palate.
2. Dove and Wild Rice Soup
Dove’s naturally tender meat works beautifully in a hearty soup. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, and onions with shredded dove meat to create a rustic meal that’s perfect for a cool evening. The key here is to let the doves simmer low and slow in a stockpot to unlock their flavor and tenderness.
Pairing: A robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, is ideal for this dish. The bold flavors of a California Cab, such as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis, complement the soup's richness without overpowering the delicate dove meat.
3. Dove Tacos with Avocado Crema
Tacos are a versatile way to enjoy Dove. Pan-sear the breasts in a cast iron skillet with a spice blend of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, and serve them on warm corn tortillas. Top with fresh avocado crema, blending avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a little sour cream. Add grilled corn or charred peppers to round out the meal.
Pairing: These tacos' fresh flavors pair well with a light, zesty beer, like a Mexican-style lager. Pacifico Clara or Modelo Especial provides a crisp, clean contrast to the richness of the avocado crema.
4. Dove Pot Pie
Dove pot pie is a heartier, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. The doves are braised in a Dutch oven with potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions, then baked under a flaky, buttery crust. This dish is comfort food, with the doves providing a wild twist on a classic recipe.
Pairing: A full-bodied Chardonnay with hints of oak, like the Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, pairs wonderfully with the buttery crust and earthy vegetables and dove meat flavors. The wine’s creamy texture mirrors the richness of the dish.
5. Dove Skewers with Honey Glaze
Try threading dove breasts onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple for a more adventurous take. Grill them over medium heat and brush with a honey and soy glaze for a sweet and savory combination. The sugars caramelize on the grill, enhancing the doves’ natural flavors.
Pairing: A fruit-forward, slightly effervescent rosé, like Miraval Provence Rosé, brings out the sweetness in the glaze while offering a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky grilled elements.
Dove Recipes: Our Top 5 Dove Recipes Step By Step
1. Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Dove Breasts
When it comes to dove recipes, bacon-wrapped dove breasts are a classic. The richness of the dove meat, combined with the smoky, salty flavor of bacon, creates a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts (breast meat removed from the bone)
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 large jalapeño pepper, sliced into thin strips (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes (optional)
- Toothpicks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Dove Breasts:
Rinse the dove breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stuff the Breasts (Optional):
Place a slice of jalapeño and a small cube of cream cheese in the center of each dove breast.
Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap each dove breast with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Ensure the bacon covers the stuffing to prevent the cream cheese from melting out during cooking.
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C).
Grill the Doves:
Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts on the grill.
Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove meat is cooked through but still juicy. Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
Serve:
Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.
Pairing:
For this savory dish, go with a cold, crisp pilsner. A beer like Firestone Walker’s Pivo Pils balances the richness of the bacon while refreshing the palate.
2. Dove and Wild Rice Soup
Dove’s naturally tender meat works beautifully in a hearty soup. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of wild rice and vegetables with shredded dove meat to create a rustic meal perfect for a cool evening.
Ingredients:
- 8 whole doves
- 1 cup wild rice
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Doves:
Rinse the doves and pat dry.
Season with salt and pepper.
Sear the Doves:
In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the doves and sear on all sides until browned. This helps to deepen the flavor of the soup.
Add Vegetables:
Remove the doves from the pot and set aside.
Add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the same pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Simmer the Soup:
Return the doves to the pot.
Add the wild rice, stock, bay leaves, and thyme.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the dove meat is tender and the rice is cooked.
Shred the Dove Meat:
Remove the doves from the soup.
Let them cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones, shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Discard the bones and return the meat to the pot.
Season and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Pairing:
A robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, is ideal for this dish. The bold flavors of a California Cab, such as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis, complement the soup's richness without overpowering the delicate dove meat.
3. Dove Tacos with Avocado Crema
Tacos are a versatile way to enjoy Dove. Pan-seared dove breasts seasoned with warm spices and topped with a fresh avocado crema make for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Avocado Crema:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Salt to taste
Toppings:
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced radishes
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
Prepare the Dove Breasts:
Combine cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the dove breasts.
Make the Avocado Crema:
Combine avocados, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Cook the Dove Breasts:
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add dove breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Warm the Tortillas:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos:
Place sliced dove meat onto each tortilla.
Top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and sliced radishes.
- Drizzle with avocado crema.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Pairing:
The fresh flavors of these tacos pair well with a light, zesty beer, like a Mexican-style lager. Pacifico Clara or Modelo Especial provides a crisp, clean contrast to the richness of the avocado crema.
4. Dove Pot Pie
Dove pot pie is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. The doves are braised with vegetables and baked under a flaky, buttery crust.
Ingredients:
- Six whole doves
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Three cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- One sheet of puff pastry or pie crust
- One egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Prepare the Doves:
Season the doves with salt and pepper.
Braise the Doves:
In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
Add the doves and brown on all sides.
Add broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
Shred the Meat:
Remove the doves from the pot, let cool slightly, and shred the meat off the bones.
Set aside the meat and discard the bones.
Prepare the Filling:
In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter.
Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Make the Sauce:
Gradually whisk the milk and reserved broth from braising, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add thyme and rosemary.
Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine Meat and Vegetables:
Stir in the shredded dove meat and frozen peas.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the mixture into a deep-dish pie pan or casserole dish.
Add the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the puff pastry or pie crust to fit over the dish.
Place the crust over the filling, sealing the edges.
Cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Brush the crust with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve:
Let the pot pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pairing:
A full-bodied Chardonnay with hints of oak, like the Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, pairs wonderfully with the buttery crust and earthy vegetables and dove meat flavors. The wine’s creamy texture mirrors the richness of the dish.
5. Dove Skewers with Honey Glaze
Try threading dove breasts onto skewers with vegetables and grilling them with a honey-soy glaze for a more adventurous take.
Ingredients:
- 12 dove breasts
- One red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- One red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Soak Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Prepare the Honey Glaze:
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Assemble the Skewers:
Thread dove breasts, bell pepper chunks, red onion, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the honey glaze, allowing it to caramelize.
Serve:
Remove from the grill and drizzle any remaining glaze over the skewers.
Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Pairing:
A fruit-forward, slightly effervescent rosé, like Miraval Provence Rosé, brings out the sweetness in the glaze while offering a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky grilled elements.
Final Thoughts
When you take the time to hunt your food, the reward goes beyond just the harvest. It’s about bringing the wild to your table and sharing it with those around you. Dove hunting may yield small game, but with the right recipes, you can create meals that resonate far beyond their size. From the simple to the sophisticated, these dove recipes are a great way to honor the birds you bring home and share the hunt’s bounty with friends and family.
Each dish is elevated with the right beer or wine pairing, ensuring your post-hunt dinner becomes a memorable culinary experience. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or the stove, and enjoy the full circle of the hunting experience—from field to plate.